The Requirements
What Are Hawaii’s Boat Insurance Laws?
Hawaii requires boat insurance for recreational vessels 26 feet in length or greater, which must carry at least $100,000 in coverage for grounded-vessel removal and salvage under Hawaii Revised Statutes §200-13.5. Smaller vessels aren't covered by the statewide mandate, but many marinas and state-owned moorings impose their own insurance requirements.
State-owned moorings — which make up the majority of long-term boat storage in Hawaii — often do require insurance. These facilities are often located in marine preserve areas, where environmental protection rules are strict.
Because of this, it’s common for mooring agreements to require:
- Liability coverage
- Pollution coverage
- Hull coverage (often mandatory in Hawaii due to high claim costs in protected waters)
Why hull coverage is usually required in Hawaii:
Unlike many mainland states where “liability only” policies are common, Hawaii’s insurers often won’t issue them. Cleanup costs for environmental damage in marine preserves can be extremely high, and carriers generally require hull coverage to balance that risk. Many also require a hauled survey before issuing coverage.
State-owned moorings — which make up the majority of long-term boat storage in Hawaii — often do require insurance. These facilities are often located in marine preserve areas, where environmental protection rules are strict.
Because of this, it’s common for mooring agreements to require:
- Liability coverage
- Pollution coverage
- Hull coverage (often mandatory in Hawaii due to high claim costs in protected waters)
Why hull coverage is usually required in Hawaii:
Unlike many mainland states where “liability only” policies are common, Hawaii’s insurers often won’t issue them. Cleanup costs for environmental damage in marine preserves can be extremely high, and carriers generally require hull coverage to balance that risk. Many also require a hauled survey before issuing coverage.
